The children, with innocent fingers, pointed out to Devayani the noble king Yayati, and indicated Sharmishtha as their mother. After this, all the children together approached the king. Yet, in Devayani’s presence, the king did not welcome them. The boys, their hearts wounded, began to weep and went to Sharmishtha for comfort, while Sharmishtha herself, her lovely eyes filled with unspoken emotion, silently approached the king. She stood near him but turned her face away, and as the boys’ cries reached his ears, the king felt a deep sense of shame. Yayati remained silent, unable to respond, troubled by the evident affection the children bore him. Understanding the truth of the situation, Sharmishtha addressed Devayani: “You once said a sage would come to me. In this way, you have sought to protect the king, but I had already spoken before, and you have acted wrongly. Though you are under my authority, why have you done what displeases me? You have adopted the conduct of demons and show no fear of me.” Devayani, with her lovely smile, replied, “What was said about the sage is true. I act according to righteousness and have no fear of you. When you chose a husband, I too made my choice. By righteousness, the husband of a friend becomes one’s own husband, graceful one. You are to be honored by me, and you are the eldest, a Brahmin lady. But the royal sage is even more worthy of honor—do you not see this? Both of us were given together by your father, my teacher. Therefore, the husband is to be honored and nourished, and he nourishes me here.” Hearing these words, Devayani’s heart burned with anger. She said, “Live here as you wish, together with Sharmishtha. O king, I will not remain here today, for you have done what displeases me.” Consumed by wrath, Devayani cast aside all her ornaments and looked at Sharmishtha with eyes that seemed to burn her with shame. Weeping, Devayani rose quickly and set off for her father Kavi Ushanas, greatly distressed. King Yayati, anxious and full of concern, followed behind, trying to console her, but she did not look back, her eyes red with anger and tears. She said nothing to the king, her heart heavy, and soon arrived in the presence of her father, Kavi Ushanas. Bowing before him, she stood silently, and Yayati also honored the great sage, descendant of Bhargava. Devayani spoke, her voice trembling: “Righteousness has been defeated by unrighteousness; the path of unrighteousness prevails. I have been wronged by Sharmishtha, daughter of Vrishaparvan. Three sons have been born to her by this king Yayati. But, father, only two sons are mine. This king is renowned for his knowledge of righteousness, O descendant of Bhrigu, yet he has transgressed the bounds. Know this, O Kavi.” Then Kavi Ushanas, his anger aroused, turned to Yayati. But Yayati spoke in his own defense: “O great king, though you know righteousness, you have acted unrighteously out of desire, and thus, before long, old age will overtake you, invincibly. O venerable one, when Sharmishtha asked for her season with a pure heart, I acted righteously in granting her request, for if a man does not grant a woman her season when she asks, he is called a destroyer of the embryo by the learned. If a passionate and eligible woman requests a man in private and he does not approach her, the wise say he is a destroyer of the embryo in matters of righteousness. My vow is to grant whatever is asked of me, and she was given to me by you; she seeks no other protector. Considering all this, and fearing unrighteousness, I approached Sharmishtha, believing this to be the path of righteousness. Forgive me for this act, O Brahmin. “Surely, I acted with your will in mind, for I am dependent on you. In matters of righteousness, false conduct is said to be theft, O descendant of Nahusha.” But Kavi Ushanas, unmoved by the king’s words, pronounced a curse upon Yayati in his anger. Instantly, Yayati was overtaken by old age, his youthful vigor lost. Yayati, stricken and unsatisfied with the fleeting joys of youth with Devayani, pleaded with the sage: “O best of Bhargus, I am unsatisfied with youth in Devayani. Grant me your favor, O Brahmin, that this old age may not afflict me.” Kavi Ushanas replied, “I do not speak falsely: you have been overtaken by old age, O king. If you wish, you may transfer this old age to another.” Yayati asked, “O Brahmin, if one of my sons gives me his youth, let that son be granted the kingdom, merit, and fame, with your approval.” Kavi Ushanas agreed, “You may transfer your old age as you wish, O son of Nahusha. Do so without hesitation, and you will not incur sin. The son who gives you his youth will become king, long-lived, renowned, and blessed with many children.” Thus, afflicted by old age, Yayati returned to his city and spoke to his eldest and most distinguished son, Yadu: “Old age has overtaken me, dear son, and gray hairs cover my head. By the curse of Kavi Ushanas, I am not yet satisfied with youth. Yadu, take upon yourself my old age and sin, so that I may again enjoy the pleasures of youth through you. After a thousand years, I will return your youth and take back my old age.” But Yadu, wise and steadfast, replied, “There are many faults in old age, arising from eating and drinking. Therefore, O king, it is my decision not to accept your old age.